Ciryl Gane’s knockout prevents Alex Poatan’s historic feat in the UFC octagon Casa Branca By Carolina Costa
4 min read
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The fight for the provisional title in the under-120 kg category stole the show during the penultimate main attraction of the event held in the American capital. On this occasion, the fighter from São Paulo, who has already dominated the organization’s middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions, moved up in weight dreaming of a three-peat belt, unprecedented in the sport. However, the European athlete, currently number one in the rankings, presented an impeccable performance and stopped the South American opponent’s momentum from recording his name alone at the top of the franchise.
Quick outcome ensures French fighter’s triumph in the main contest
The clash gained urgent status after the British linear champion had to withdraw from the card due to a serious eye problem, transforming the clash between the Brazilian striker and the European Muay Thai specialist into the highlight of the night. The atmosphere in the arena was one of pure tension, as the audience waited anxiously to see if the former double champion would be able to add another crown to his legacy, establishing a milestone never seen before in modern mixed martial arts.
The initial five minutes were marked by extreme mutual respect, with both competitors measuring the distance and avoiding unnecessary exposure when exchanging punches. The French representative even invested in a transition to the ground, coming up against his opponent’s solid takedown defense. Even so, the European found gaps to land precise blows on the São Paulo native’s face, who absorbed the impact naturally and showed no sign of physical shock.
The dynamics changed drastically in the first moments of the second stage, when a searing left straight from the European athlete took his opponent to the ground abruptly. Wasting no time, the Frenchman delivered a barrage of severe elbows, forcing the Brazilian to use all his resilience to try to get back on his feet. The attack, however, did not cease, and the brutal sequence of attacks forced the central judge to intervene and declare the end of the fight at the one minute and twenty-seven second mark.
During the official interview still inside the octagon, the new owner of the provisional title was overflowing with joy when analyzing his performance. The winner highlighted the excellence of the strategic planning prepared by his coaches, highlighting the immense pride he felt in his own team and stating that everyone in the camp was fully convinced that this outcome was completely viable.
On the other hand, the South American star absorbed the defeat with maturity, ensuring that he does not regret giving up his reign in the under-93 kg division to seek glory among the giants. The athlete emphasized that taking extreme risks has always been part of his essence, pointing out that his successful career and his prominent position on the world stage are direct results of this courage to face monumental challenges.
The organization’s promise shines against the veteran and maintains a perfect record
In another standout moment, the controversial American heavyweight, who spent the previous days provoking several of the company’s stars, delivered an extremely focused performance against one of the greatest knockout artists in the history of the sport. Leaving the jokes aside when the cage closed, the young fighter showed that his talent matches the size of his statements.
The initial stage was dominated by the younger athlete, who quickly read the danger of exchanging blows while standing and used his Olympic fighting skills to take his opponent to the mat. Working patiently on top, he punished the veteran with hard attacks and, in the last moments before the break, almost finished the feat with a well-placed armbar, frustrated only by the timer.
Noticing his opponent’s obvious physical exhaustion as he returned for the second round, the American prodigy picked up the pace and surprised by winning the exchange of punches in the center of the Octagon. A devastating combination knocked the veteran down, opening the way for a barrage of blows to the ground that forced the referee’s interruption after four minutes and nine seconds, giving the winner the opportunity to take the microphone and challenge the recently defeated Brazilian star.
The night also featured a true spectacle from the former bantamweight belt holder, who demonstrated a masterclass in movement and precision against his Canadian opponent. Using complex angles and intelligent feints, the charismatic American fighter found the perfect distance and settled the score with a spectacular knockout four minutes and two seconds into the second round.
The end of the grand card on American soil is the long-awaited battle for the definitive unification of the lightweight crown, pitting the current Spanish monarch and the always dangerous American challenger face to face.
Follow below the complete summary with all the results of the clashes held so far in the arena:
Complete list of main and preliminary card winners
The mixed martial arts show was held in the capital of the United States, on the night of June 14, 2026.
- Frenchman Ciryl Gane overcame Brazilian Alex Poatan via medical interruption at the 1min27s mark of the second round.
- American Sean O’Malley dispatched Aiemann Zahabi by technical knockout at 4:02 of the second stage.
- Young Josh Hokit defeated veteran Derrick Lewis with a series of punches at 4:09 of the second round.
- Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy knocked out the experienced Michael Chandler in the first round, at 4:29.
- Prospect Bo Nickal erased Kyle Daukaus with a stunning blow at 4:34 of the opening stage.
- The talented Diego Lopes defeated Steve Garcia quickly at 2:42 of the second round.
